Learning &Teaching
Create & Motivate
Teaching with backing tracks
by Bradley Sowash
B
acking tracks (pre-recorded or
automated instrumental accompaniments)
are inherently motivational. Why? Because
playing with a snazzy drum groove is simply more
compelling than practicing with a metronome. Here
are suggestions for integrating backing tracks into
your curriculum to enhance technique, timing, and
creativity-all at the same time.
* Technique: Demonstrate how to practice
exercises such as Hanon, scales, and chord
drills with a rock or even swing drum beat.
* Method books and repertory: Take
advantage of the backing track CDs or links
that are now the industry standard with
newer instructional books. If unavailable with
older books or traditional repertory, make
your own backing tracks from the implied
chords in the written accompaniment. You'll
be amazed at what practicing Baroque music
with a rock beat does for timing.
* Play by ear: Explain how to pick out a
melody to a pop tune, folk song, or holiday
favorite by ear using only backing track
chords instead of written music.
* Improvisation: Ask students to improvise a
right-hand melody in various keys and styles
over a left-hand chord progression appropriate to
their level.
* Transposition: If your backing track playback
system easily transposes, assign primary chords,
longer diatonic progressions, or simple tunes to
be worked out in one or more keys by ear.
* Performances: Some teachers hire professional
musicians to accompany their recitals. To prepare,
students can practice with backing tracks. No
musicians available for the recital? Simulate a
virtual band by playing backing tracks to
accompany your students.
Headphones or speakers?
Last time we compared devices, software, and apps
to play backing tracks. The next step is to decide
which audio output works best for your particular
situation. Some options are listed in the chart below.
Until next time, enjoy your creative music-making
journey.
Bradley Sowash is a composer, performer,
and educator known for his best-selling
jazz piano method, That's Jazz, published
by Kjos Music, and as the co-founder with
Leila Viss of 88 Creative Keys improvisation
camps for piano students and teachers.
Audio output
Pros
Cons
Smart phone or tablet with built-in speakers
Readily available
Not loud enough to compete
with the volume of a piano
Headphones or ear buds with one ear open to hear the piano
Readily available
Teacher cannot hear playback in
lessons
Ear buds playing backing tracks worn under headphones
playing a digital piano
Good for solo practice
Does not work with acoustic
pianos
Wired compact speaker connected to computer, tablet, or
smart phone
Easy to set up
More wires to contend with
Wireless compact speaker connected to computer, tablet, or
smart phone
Portable and convenient
Requires modest technical
know-how
Playback device plugged into audio input of digital keyboard
with built-in speakers
Easy to mix backing tracks
with piano
Some keyboards lack an audio
input
Old fashioned stereo tuner and speakers
You may already own this
equipment
Likely to require adaptors to
connect modern cables to older
inputs
Smaller instrument amplifier
Inexpensive option with a
big sound
May require an adaptor from
mini plugs to 1/4 inch standard
instrument jacks
Larger amplifier or PA with four or more inputs for mixing
playback device with multiple digital pianos
Ideal for group lessons
Requires technical know-how
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Clavier Companion
July/August 2017